Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy

Even as President Donald Trump boosts coal over clean energy, solar power is hitting new milestones in the U.S. and remains the leading source of new power.

Solar also became the third-largest source of electricity in the U.S. in May, behind natural gas and nuclear, Fulghum said. Coal generation hit an all-time monthly low in April and rebounded only modestly in May, allowing increasing solar generation to overtake coal, he added. More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability. That has always been the message for solar marketing. 

But pay close attention to how consumers are evaluating these investments. They aren’t simply buying clean energy. They’re buying protection from rising utility costs. 

In a sea of greenwashed claims, a sustainability message may simply become the cherry on top of a more resonant message about a homeowner’s monthly budget.

7 Smart Home Devices That Could Help Lower Your Utility Bills

A house is operated by a series of appliances and systems, each responsible for a different aspect of convenience and care, including heating, lighting, power, water, cleaning, cooking, and more. While they might be what's most comfortable to use, older technology often lacks modern conveniences, such as temperature monitoring, leak detection, and occupancy sensors.

By investing in new devices, you can take advantage of these features to save more on your energy bills each month and reduce waste. More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

Every smart home product is competing for a line item in a homeowner’s budget. Convenience alone may not be enough. 

For marketers, the opportunity is to message smart home tech as a financial tool. Yes, the tech helps homeowners control devices. What the data suggests is that winning brands in this space will also help homeowners control costs.

Designers Swear By The “Big Salad” Rule for Curating a Timeless Home

From “nonnamaxxing” summer to “tacky” Christmas, we all love a good trend moment, but they can be easy to get carried away with. Trends can easily turn from tasteful to overwhelming if you’re not careful, reading more like an overpowering theme rather than a timely design choice.

“To me, it's like a big salad. You make your own recipe for it. You don't want to overdo anything. I think that's what happens with trends, and that's why they move on. You can burn out on a trend so fast,” Williams says. More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

At first glance these stories may not seem connected. But from where we sit, it sure sounds like interior design decisions are becoming more investment-minded. 

Homeowners are prioritizing timelessness over trendiness. CFO behavior.

For the marketer reading this, it’s important to remember that consumers will always want to express themselves within their home. They’ll likely still jump on design trends seen on TikTok, but only if it truly resonates. Plus, there’s a huge opportunity to show how your products stand the test of time.